An Overview of The National Model Railroad Association
The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is the national organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and general health of the hobby of model railroading.
The NMRA was founded in 1935, and the headquarters is located in Chattanooga , Tennessee. (how appropriate!) The NMRA is a non-profit corporation and holds an annual convention every year, while the sub-regions within the NMRA also hold regional conventions.
The NMRA strives to regulate the hobby of model railroading for it's members, and to promote the education, history, technology and craft of the hobby.
NMRA membership is open to all, is active outside the US, and carries many benefits. Here's just some of them:
Fellowship - With 18 Regions and 150 Divisions within, there are literally thousands of fellow model railroaders who conduct how-to clinics, attend conventions, go on layout tours,
Conventions - With National and Regional conventions you'll find great new information as well as master clinics and workshops on many and varied topics.
Monthly Scale Rails Magazine - the magazine of the NMRA.
Kalmbach Memorial Library - probably the biggest railroad reference and research center of its kind in the world, housing an incredible 100,000 photos, 6,000 books and more than 50,00 magazines devoted to trains and scale modeling.
Data Sheets - Need to know something in particular about a certain locomotive? These comprehensive data sheets will provide you with all the details you'll need.
The Achievement Program - Probably the best way to continues to learn about model railroading. The AP gives comprehensive courses with which you can master the craft of model railroading. The course cover engines, rolling stock as well as the other aspects of your layouts, and offers certificates ultimately leading to the distinction of being awarded the title of Master Model Railroader.
The NMRA also offers insurance for your train layouts when in convention.
NMRA Standards and Practices - The NMRA is nothing if not about standards. Before 1930 this area could gently be described as chaotic, and the task and obligation of devising and enforcing standards and practices came into reality shortly after the NMRA's inception in 1935, and many if not most of these have remained unchanged since then.
The Pike Registry - offers the ability to have your pike registered in the Official Register of Model Railroads (ORMRR) which is published every two years.
Participation in the Modeling With The Masters Program - started in 1999, this program allows NMRA members the opportunity of spending four days of intense tutelage with a master railroader. These courses cover both beginner and intermediate techniques, and expose the attendee to great instruction and technique.
The NMRA offers a trainload of benefits for their members and the hobby in general. Go to a local NMRA convention near you and see what they have to offer you!
Visit http://www.themodelrailroader.com for more helpful tips and advice about designing, building and operating your own model railroad.
Plus, for a limited time, get a copy of my special report "Model Railroad Design Secrets" absolutely free.
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